The client is seeking an Executive Director to lead a regional marine conservation nonprofit focused on restoring and protecting the Salish Sea. The role will provide organizational strategy and serve as an external and internal champion, while supporting the staff and partners who advance collaborative, science-based conservation work. Core priorities include building visibility, expanding and diversifying funding, and strengthening community partnerships that sustain the organization’s mission.
The Executive Director will be responsible for organizational strategy, fundraising, board engagement, operational excellence, and organizational and cultural health. While day-to-day program management is expected to be handled by a capable team, the Executive Director will translate long-term vision into actionable annual plans and help expand the scope and scale of existing programs. The role will also drive engagement with diverse stakeholders and support community involvement to advance conservation outcomes for marine life and the communities that depend on the Salish Sea.
The preferred candidate will bring demonstrated nonprofit leadership and management experience, particularly in environmental or marine conservation contexts, along with strong skills in donor relationship-building, securing funding, and organizational development initiatives. The Executive Director should be a strategic communicator and public-facing representative who can engage and inspire diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, empower staff, and encourage professional growth. Additional strengths include familiarity with the marine conservation landscape in the Pacific Northwest and an understanding of public and private funding environments, including grant writing and stewardship of donor contributions; the client welcomes candidates who may not meet every qualification and encourages application.